Best CPAs in Des Moines, IA (2026)
Choosing the right cpa in Des Moines, IA can be overwhelming. With 24 cpas operating across the Des Moines metro area, how do you separate the truly exceptional from the merely adequate? At Top CPAs, we analyze publicly available data to rank every cpa on a transparent, editorial basis -- no paid placements, no sponsored rankings.
This 2026 ranking evaluates cpas in Des Moines, Iowa using our proprietary Guide Score algorithm, which weighs verified reviews, professional credentials, press recognition, web presence, years of experience, and profile completeness. We reviewed 24 active businesses in the Des Moines market and selected the top 15 for this list.
By the numbers: Guide Scores on this list range from 14 to 36 out of 100, 9 of 15 hold professional certifications, the average firm has 18 years of experience. Updated April 2026.
Each entry below includes the business's Guide Score, star rating, review count, and a data-driven explanation of why they earned their spot. Click through to any profile for the full breakdown including contact information, specialties, credentials, and related businesses in Des Moines.
The Top 15 CPAs in Des Moines, IA
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#1 Community CPA 36/100
Selected for 28 years of experience (est. 1998); CPA certified; specializes in what we offer, monthly reconciliations, transactional process design.
Community CPA brings reliable accounting services to Des Moines and nearby communities in IA. Reach out at +15152883188 or visit them online.
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#2 Jacobsen & Co 35/100
Selected for 28 years of experience (est. 1998); CPA certified; team of 3 professionals.
Residents of Des Moines, IA looking for expert accounting services can rely on Jacobsen & Co. The team holds professional credentials including cpa. Reach them at +15152239393 or email gbooth@jacobse…
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#3 Performance Financial 33/100
Selected for 11 years of experience (est. 2015); CPA, EA, CMA certified; team of 4 professionals; specializes in tax services, accounting services, advisory services.
Founded in 2015 and now 4 members strong, Performance Financial is an leading accounting firm in Des Moines, IA. Led by Moines businesses, zach graduated from Dordt University in 2016 and received hi…
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#4 Eide Bailly 29/100
Selected for 31 years of experience (est. 1995); specializes in audit assurance, tax, advisory.
Serving homeowners and businesses in Des Moines, Eide Bailly is an dependable accounting firm in IA. Reach them at 5152440266. Visit their website to learn more about their work. Located at 666 Walnu…
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#5 Accounting Associates 28/100
Selected for 15 years of experience (est. 2011); CPA certified.
Accounting Associates is an Des Moines-based accounting firm offering full-service accounting solutions to clients across IA. A detailed consultation is an opportunity to make sure you are comfortabl…
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#6 CKL CPAs 24/100
Selected for 6 years of experience (est. 2020); CPA certified; team of 4 professionals.
With 6 years of experience, CKL CPAs is one of Des Moines's most experienced accounting providers. The team holds professional credentials including cpa. Reach them at +15153494847 or email info@cklc…
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#7 CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) 20/100
Selected for CPA certified; specializes in get to know us, get started, call us at 1 888 529 2648 ..
From their base in Des Moines, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) serves accounting clients across IA. The team holds professional credentials including cpa. Reach them at 5152224400 or email webmaster@claconn…
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#8 Flynn + Sweeney 20/100
Selected for CPA certified; team of 3 professionals.
Based in Des Moines, IA, Flynn + Sweeney provides comprehensive accounting services to residential and commercial clients throughout the region. Located at 321 E Walnut St. Reach them at +15159744257…
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#9 DRDS CPAs & Consultants 19/100
Selected for CPA certified; team of 3 professionals; specializes in financial statement preparations, tax consultation, bookkeeping services.
DRDS CPAs & Consultants is an established accounting firm serving the Des Moines, IA community with professional accounting services. Led by your trusted, dRDS CPAs Consultants LLC was founded with a…
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#10 RSM US LLP 19/100
Selected for 5 years of experience (est. 2021); team of 13 professionals.
RSM US LLP is an accounting firm proudly serving Des Moines, IA. Reach them at 5155586600. Visit their website to learn more about their work. Located at 400 Locust St Ste 640. Reach them at 51555866…
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#11 The Bookkeepers Inc. 17/100
Selected for CPA certified; team of 2 professionals.
The Bookkeepers Inc. provides accounting services in Des Moines, IA. Reach them by phone at +15152658003 or online to discuss your project.
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#12 Owl Accounting Services 16/100
Selected for team of 5 professionals; specializes in ready to get started?, meet the parliament, services monthly bookkkeeping.
Based in Des Moines, IA, Owl Accounting Services provides comprehensive accounting services to residential and commercial clients throughout the region. Led by empower business, previously, Toby spen…
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#13 Fox Tax Service 15/100
Selected for team of 2 professionals; specializes in tax services, why choose us beside being top rated ?, fox tax service has committed to upholding the bbb standards for trust..
The Des Moines, IA area is home to Fox Tax Service, an dedicated accounting firm serving local clients. Reach them at 5159880716. Visit their website to learn more about their work. Located at 2723 E…
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#14 Mote CPA 15/100
Ranked 14th among cpas in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Mote CPA is an full-service accounting firm based in Des Moines, IA. Reach them at +15152718183 or email dave@motecpa.com. Visit their website to learn more about their work. Located at 2011 Beaver A…
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#15 Abacus Accounting 14/100
Selected for specializes in passion. experience. diligence., tax preparation, accounting.
Abacus Accounting brings professional accounting expertise to the Des Moines, IA community. We provide a full range of comprehensive accounting solutions that check all the boxes. We take the stress…
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How We Ranked These CPAs
Our Guide Score (0–100) combines verified Google reviews and ratings (30%), professional credentials (10%), press and media recognition (5%), web and portfolio presence (15%), years of experience (15%), profile completeness (10%), and industry awards (up to 5 bonus points). No business can pay for a higher ranking.
Data sources include Google Business Profile, professional registries, portfolio sites, press databases, and direct business submissions. Every piece of data is publicly verifiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did we rank the best cpas in Des Moines?
Top CPAs ranks cpas using our Guide Score (0-100), a composite metric computed from publicly available data. The score weighs Google reviews and ratings (30%), professional credentials and certifications (10%), press and media recognition (5%), web and portfolio presence (15%), years of experience (15%), profile completeness (10%), and awards (up to 5 bonus points). There is no paid placement -- every ranking is purely editorial.
Who is the #1 cpa in Des Moines, IA?
As of 2026, Community CPA holds the #1 ranking in Des Moines with a Guide Score of 36/100. Rankings are recalculated with every data update and reflect the latest available information.
How often is this list updated?
Core data (ratings, reviews, contact information) is re-verified on a rolling monthly cadence. Credentials and awards are audited quarterly. Guide Scores recalculate automatically with every data update, so rankings may shift as new reviews are posted or credentials are verified.
How many cpas are there in Des Moines?
Our database currently tracks 24 active cpas in the Des Moines, IA metro area. This list highlights the top 15 based on Guide Score. Browse our full Des Moines directory to see every listed business.
Can a cpa pay to be ranked higher?
No. Top CPAs does not accept payment for rankings. Guide Scores are computed algorithmically from verified public data. Businesses can claim and update their profile with accurate information, but the ranking algorithm treats all profiles equally. Our editorial independence is core to our methodology.
What should I look for when hiring a cpa in Des Moines?
We recommend evaluating: (1) professional certifications and credentials, (2) verified customer reviews and ratings, (3) years of experience in the Des Moines market, (4) portfolio quality and range of work, (5) budget alignment with your project scope, and (6) responsiveness and communication style. Our Guide Score weighs these factors so you can compare at a glance.